The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun preparations to help retiring civil servants make a smooth transition from active service to financially secure and purposeful lives after retirement.
The initiative is being implemented by the FCT Civil Service Commission (FCT-CSC) in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service through a pre-retirement workshop for civil servants nearing retirement.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman of the FCT-CSC, Emeka Ezeh, urged participants to develop practical plans for managing their finances and remaining productive after leaving government service.
The workshop, themed “How to Triumph in Retirement,” is the first joint initiative between the commission and the Office of the Head of Service, according to Ezeh.
He said workers who spend 35 to 40 years in public service or reach the mandatory retirement age of 60 to 65 often face uncertainty about life after government employment.
Ezeh said the training was designed to equip them with the knowledge and strategies required to manage the transition successfully.
He explained that the programme was also in line with Section 7c(ii) of the FCT Civil Service Commission Establishment Act, which mandates the commission to advise the FCT Minister on the conditions of service of employees.
The chairman also highlighted reforms undertaken by the commission to improve efficiency and career progression within the FCT civil service.
He said a staff verification exercise had harmonised personnel records across the FCTA into a central database, while outstanding promotion exercises for 2023, 2024 and 2025 had been cleared.
According to him, the introduction of computer-based testing for promotion examinations has also improved the process by speeding up the release of results and reducing opportunities for malpractice.
Ezeh disclosed that the commission had released guidelines covering appointment, promotion and discipline, as well as two annual reports.
He added that a Standard Operating Procedure for conversion, upgrading, advancement and skipping was nearing completion.
The chairman said the reforms had also expanded career opportunities within the FCT civil service, including pathways to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.
He thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Acting Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, for supporting the initiative and said the pre-retirement programme would become an annual event.
In her remarks, Nathan commended the retiring workers for their years of service and contributions to the development of the FCT.
She urged them to view retirement as a transition to a new phase rather than the end of their relevance, saying their experience could still be deployed through mentorship, entrepreneurship and community development.
“To ensure holistic readiness, the training programme was structured around critical pillars, including strategic financial management of terminal benefits, sound investment choices, physical and mental health maintenance, and impactful community engagement,” Nathan said.
She also assured the retiring workers that the FCTA was working with relevant agencies to simplify administrative processes and facilitate the timely payment of their retirement benefits.
Nathan said the workshop would provide participants with practical approaches to managing lifestyle changes, reducing financial risks and maintaining strong social connections after retirement.
Some participants welcomed the initiative, saying the guidance provided during the workshop would help reduce uncertainty and prepare them for life after public service.
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